brandt, soupie and girls

Christmas and Winter Fun

2010-01-03T18:08:00.002-07:00

The Zoo too

2009-11-16T18:47:00.003-07:00

We are glad to have Grandpa and Grandma up for awhile. It has been nice to be able to spend a couple of hours visiting with them, instead of having to take a couple of hours to get to Ephraim. We are happy to have Grandpa doing as well as he is doing. It was a hard couple of months for everyone, and now it seems to be a little better (for us). I know Mom and Dad are doing alot for them, and spending alot of time and resources... we are grateful they are able to.

Grandpa after a new hair cut. He has grown a new appreciation for buzz cuts.

After we spent some time visiting Grandpa and Grandma, Soupie, tayler and I went to the zoo. Carlee was with her Dad. The weather was perfect, mid 60's and sunny. Soupie wanted me to put the title as The zoo too, because she thought it was funny that she wanted to blog about the zoo, but Mike and Niki beat us to the punch. ut sounds like they had a great time too. We were able to enjoy one of the last days before Winter sets in.

Tayle and I had a staring contest with the little fox. She said it had Dazie's ears. I thought it looked more like ikt had Strong ears.

Tayler, Mom and Dad on the Train. Tayler loved it.

We are happy we were able to spend a little time outside before the weather turned too cold. Right now we have a few inches of snow, and it's cold. We are excited to share the weather with Mike's family when they come up. Hopefully they will return the favor this Spring.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-02T17:34:00.002-07:00

Happy Hallooween !!! We had a good time on Hallooween Day. We went and saw grandpa and grandma Strong, both of them, Brandt gave grandpa another hair cut. Grandpa likes his hair short like Brandt and Mike's. Then we went up to see my mom, in Bountiful. In Bountiful you can walk Main street and all the buisiness' give candy out to all the little kids. We thought that was great for Tayler, she could get all her candy that day, then we didn't have to take her out at night for too long when it's was cold. That didn't happen though, she still had to go out with all the kids. She had so much fun. When we got home, we started handing out candy, Tayler had to tell the kids to wait, (she holds her hand up and says "wait, wait". Tayler had to give the candy out by herself. We thought it was cute.

Carlee the Skull Fairy. She had fun that night. One of her friends had her over for dinner, with a couple of other friends. They went around to all the neighborhoods. Carlee had alot of fun.

Tayler was Abbie k Dabbie. Very cute. (She has to make her silly faces).

Every year we go down to the same pumkin patch to take picture of the girls. It's amazing how fast they change in one year. Both are changing so much in personalty and in looks. They are both beautiful in many ways.

Happy girls.

Brandt with the beautiful girls.

2009-10-25T11:03:00.004-06:00

We haven't had alot going on, so we haven't blogged for a while. Carlee had a Halloween party Saturday night. I can already tell that late night are going to kill her. She decided to be skull fairy for Halloween. Trying to find a costume for a 12 yre old is too fun (not really). We went to 3 different costume places. The first one, we walk out. Brandt and I were done with Carlees mouth and attuide. We couldn't find a "happy medium" with any of the costumes. Carlee was looking at the womens costumes thinking she wanted to look pretty, but Brandt and I were thinking hochie mama. No luck at the second store either. Finally the third costume place we found our "happy medium". She found the skull fairy in the junior section, actually I found it. I think she knew we weren't going with the womens section anymore. She looked realy good. I just have a hard time spending the money they want for costume that they wear for a couple hours. Oh well, at least mom dad and daughter were finally happy.

Carlee after a late night out.

Happy Birthday Brandt. He turned 35 this year. It sounds so crazy. Iwas thinking when we met we were in our early twenties. Time has gone by so fast. Each seems to go by faster and faster. We ddn't do much, for Brandt's birthday, had dinner at home and had cake. Brandt took all my presents back, that we gave him. I think next year Im going with cash. Happy Birthday we love you so much.

Tayler was helping with the presents. I think she was more excited then dad.

This is the pictures of Mollies leg. Mollie had a tumor on her leg. The morning she went in to get it removed, I thought for sure she would have cancer. I said ok this will be it we will have to put her down. After the surgery the Dr. called and told me that it was a big turmor, she couldn't tell me if it was cancer. Just like Mollie she has to keep us guessing. I know all of you think we are crazy with our dogs, but Mollie, even when hurting, still comes up to you with her tail waging,and her smile, saying to you everyrthing is ok. I know, I think Im the crazy one. The reason why I took this picture is because Mollie had stiches and she ended up ripping those open. She then got staples, and after they took those out, she still has a big hole that we clean out daily. Just to let you know, Mollie doesn't have cancer. I was very happy and relived, they are my babies too.

This was Carlees costume. Sorry I turned the camera thinking it would be ok. She is the skull fairy.

Brandt's B-day cake.

Carlee gladly exepting my help.

Tayler making a scary face. She is growing up to fast. She is finally talking more, so it has been alot better. She started a play group, and she loves going. She says "I shared with all my friends", we are still working on sharing. When the play group comes to our house, she has a really hard time sharing her toys. I can't belive how hard it is to try to entertain 6 two year olds. I am tired after they leave.

Carlee and Tayler giving Brandt his cake.

End of the Summer

2009-09-13T18:54:00.024-06:00

The summer is coming to an end, we can tell by the activities we have done the last couple of weeks.

We went out to Antelope Island last weekend for the Ballon Festival. Gayla (Soupie's Mom) has been on the comitee that puts on the festival for the past 3 or 4 years. We have never seen any balloons since we have been going the last couple of years, I don't know why they call it the Balloon Festival. The weather is always too rainy, too windy or both. It is pretty fun though, and the weather is perfect for kite flying.

This is Carlee, Tayler and me at the Baloon Festival. Tayler is flying Carlee's kite.

We counted about 40 kites in the sky at one time. Carlee's kite is the larger kite just to the right of the biggest kite shown. Carlee did a good job navigating her kite in the traffic.

Tayler comforting Carlee as she is getting a temporary tatoo.

Tayler wanted to get a temorary tatoo also. Grandma Gayla helping Tayler get her first ink done.

This is the same picture on the train at the Baloon Festival as we took last year. There is quite a difference in the growth of both Carlee and Tayler since last time.

The girls enjoying a monster snow cone at the Balloon Festival. There were plenty of treats and fun things to eat.

Carlee and Tayler posing in front of award winning sheep. Tayler was afraid to pet the sheep, she did like the goats, and especially liked grabbing onto there tails.

This is Tayler riding a pony. She thought is was pretty cool, and felt big like her sister when she rides horses. She looked cute, she had her hands perfectly placed on the saddles horn.

We have had a good summer. We are happy to have such good memories of the fun things we have done with our family, from fireworks, Bear Lake, camping out in Ephraim, Dad's open house, getting together at the park for Savanah's Birthday, spaghetti dinners, and all the other times we got together.

It really is nice to have a family that is close, and can handle being with each other (even though it may be in small doces at times).

Hopefully we can find some fun things to do this fall and winter to keep the memories coming.

first day of school 2009

2009-09-02T19:36:00.005-06:00

I was reading everyones blog and felt really bad that I hadn't blogged about Carlees first day of school until now.

The very first day of school the 7th graders got to start without the eight and ninth graders. I thought that was awsome. We went to school with Carlee a few weeks earlier to find her classes and find her locker. Neither Carlee or I could open her locker. I was worried that she would have trouble when school started, but she is able to do it now. She also did a good job finding her classes and getting to them on time. I hope this year will be good to her.

Carlee giving Tayler a hug. This was the first day of school, seventh graders only.

We had to take this pictures. Everytime Tayler has food the dogs just sit there waiting for her to drop something.

I think this pitcure is so cute. I think it looks like Savannah in the pictures that Nikki blogged with her hair flipped up. I just think she looks like Savvy, she definatley is a Strong. We have noticed on occasion that her left eye looks crossed. We will have to keep an eye on that. She would look cute in glasses if she needs them.

Carlee starting the first day of real school. It was funny, I drove the carpool to school that day. I asked Carlee at home if she was scared, she said "no". But when we were pulling up to the school, she said "maybe I am scared now". She is liking school so far. She says the halls are packed, if she wants to get anywhere she has to put her elbows up and push through, Brandt taught her that at Christmas on Temple Square. I just hope she doesn't run into someone that turns around and hits . Carlee did see her first cat fight. She said the girls were pulling each others hair and slapping each other.

This is another picture of Carlee on the seventh graders first day. I see her more grown up everytime we take a new picture. She is and is going to be beautiful. I hope she stays just as beautiful inside.

2009-08-03T18:29:00.002-06:00

Hey guys, we are back. We have had a good summer, we have been going camping . We went to Bear Lake , Ephraim, and Aspen Grove. Here are some pictures of are trips. I know it's not Mexico, but we have had some good times.

This picture is from Aspen Grove (Soldier Creek Resevoir), we got to rent a boat. Tayler and Carlee caught a fish, they are pulling it in, Tayler thinks fish are gross. Brandt wanted her to kiss the fish, she didn't go for that.

Another picture of Aspen Grove. The first night me and Brandt where so cold.Tayler started getting sick. We both just laid ther thinking we are going home tomorrow. We got up had to start a fire. It took us a long time to warm up. That day we kept saying we are going home, but Carlee told us we need to stay, which we did. We are glad we stayed.We had a really good time. I want everyone to know that I didn't shower for 2 days, and I still had a good time.

Aspen Grove. Carlee is fishing, she wanted to catch a fish so bad.

Tayler in Bear Lake, this is her fun thing. She could live in the sand and water forever. She was so good on this trip. We missed Carlee, she went to girls camp, she had to much fun. Carlee seemed like she grew up from this trip. It was weird for me, they wouldn't let the girls take their cell phones, never have I gone without talking to Carlee when she is gone. I missed her.

This was the fish the girls caught.It was so exciting to watch everyone face, when the girls brough the fish in. This memory you will never forget. Kids and parents.

This is us just eating whatever we want on this trip, even Brandt let go on this trip. In our camp site we had chipmunks come up to you for food. We had them everywere it was cool to watch them. I have to tell everyone me and Brandt killed a chipmunk. Brandt had some yougurt in the morning and of course I was cleaning up, I threw the container in the fire pit not even thinking that animals might want to get inside the yougurt container and kill themselfs. We got back from fishing and Brandt saw the yougurt container on the side of the pit said look, there was a chipmunk half inside the bottle dead. Can you belive the animal lover that I am, and I killed it. I just have to think it died doing what it loved, eating. It was Carlees favorite one , it was the biggest one out of all of them.

Aspen Grove on the boat. Tayler loved the water to splash on her. So cute!!!!

Carlee wanting to catch the biggest fish.

The girls .

Carlee at Grandma and Granpa Strong's house. Carlee learned how to drive the four wheelers. Brandt said she did awesome. Even though she hit a sign and Brandt's arm. She said she was sorry.

This is are little sweet child.

2009-06-26T19:33:00.002-06:00

We wanted to say hi to everyone we haven't blogged for a while. We have some cute pictures of the girls. Tayler has grown up so much. Brandt and I were talking she doesn't look like a baby anymore. Tayler has a mind of her own. I tell everyone she has 2 personalities. She can work anybody to do anything for her then she can be the real devil child.
Carlee graduated from 6th grade. Brandt told her that morning that she better bring some klenex because she will cry. Carlee looked at him and said Im not going to cry. I even thought Carlee won't cry. That afternoon I picked the kids up, one of Carlee's friends came out and said Carlee was crying, I thought Carlee cried WOW she is not like that. Carlee got in the and said mom all my friends started crying and I just started to cry. Carlee had a hard time with her teacher this year she said mom Mrs. Huntman came up to me and said good luck next year. Carlee said I started crying even more when she said that. So we are trying to find her stuff to do for the summer, so mom and the sisters won't kill each other. She is working at her horse back riding place. Hopefully she will get some baby sitting jobs.
Everyone is doing great. Brandt didn't put any picture of him, but I have to tell you he has lost 80 pounds now. He looks so HOT!!!!!

Talyler was envited to her first B-day party. It was a party that did their toes and nails, their make-up and hair.They had music on. Tayler was dancing around, she was trying to hold other girls hands to make them dance with her some went for it others didn't. I have to say she was the cutest one there. Carlee went and helped. It was cute to watch the sisters together. Tayler will do anything that Carlee does. I tell Carlee that she has to be good, because she has alittle one watching everything she does.

This is a picture of Carlee and Tayler wading in the lake in Day Break. This was a nice moment followed by crying, screaming and monumental tantrums. Having a pre-teen and a two year old is an adventfull time. We are hopefully learning patience although at times it does not seem like it.

Carlee playing at the park. She is getting so tall and grown up. We can't believe she is going to be in junior high school next fall.

The girls playing in the water. I love to see them happy together.

Tayler's first smore. I think she got the hang of it. She definatley can do with out the sugar though.

TAYLERS BIRTHDAY

2009-05-06T21:48:00.006-06:00

This is Tayler and Carlee eating at Tayler birthday party.I think theres more on the floor then her mouth,but she gets some of the stuff in her mouth.And Carlee is tring to get Tayler to eat Carlee can usily do it but there was to much stuff going on.But she seems to eat for everybody but mom and Brandt.But no all that she says now is(GO A WAY),so we start to fake crie and she say (HI GUYS ). This is are family picture we actully all smiling even Tayler, but we had to tikile her.

This is Tayler and I we are taking pictures before i take pictures with my dad.Tayler was'nt looking at the time but in the other pictures we have she is actully looking.

EASTER

2009-04-14T12:34:00.012-06:00

I just wanted to say happy Easter to everyone.

This is at grandma Gayla's house.

We colored Easter eggs and Tayler having a fit.

We had the Easter bunny come to the club house, for a big easter hunt all the kids came to see.

Tayler didnt know about the easter bunny at first. Then a few mintues later he started dancing with everyone. She had to dance with him.

Brandt Tayler and Carlee. It was a good day.

2009-04-09T19:35:00.002-06:00

2009-04-09T19:00:00.002-06:00

This is Tayler she is getting uses to her potty.Are grandparents gave us the potty chair,when she saw that chair she was so excited.So as soon as we got home she was frecking out out because we didn't open it fast enough,after we open it she hered and she took off all her close and got on it.She was kinda scared at first but then she gt on it and she wanted everyone to clap for her she thought she was a big girl using the potty.And no when she has to go she is all like potty. But the only thing she likes to do is roll all the toilitpaper off,and and flash the toilit and then trie to put it all pack on the roll.But we cant take the potty out because then she takes all her closeoff but its kinda funny when we are in a hereie she dose it then Mom and Brandt start HAVIN A COW and that's funny.And after she dose she looks at you and laugh and tho smiles and says OW NO.But that makes use laugh then we are happy again.

ABOUT CARLEE

2009-04-05T20:34:00.003-06:00

This is my play Midsummer nights dream and these are some of my best friends Christien,in the purple,Jericha with the green dress,Hailey is in the pink dress.I was a fairy,Christien was the queen fairy,Jericha was Hippolita queen of the forest,and Hailey was a narrator.I had alot of fun but the one thing that scared me the most was singing I was so scared.

I only have a couple of months of school and then i will start middle school at Elk Ridge Middle School.I already sind up for class that was hard to choose from there were so many.I'm kind of nervous but it will be fun.

2009-04-04T18:47:00.004-06:00

Today we went to nannas house for Dresdens birthday. You can see the girls had fun eating and drinking.

I wanted to show everyone that Brandt has done so good on losing weight. He has lost 30 pounds in 3 months. He has so much fun walking and having energy again. Im so happy because he doesnt snore anymore. Im getting alot more sleep and not waking up wanting to hit him with the pillow. I just wanted to let everyone know how proud I am of him. It has changed him for the good.I think this was the best pictures of all . It was a fun day.

2009-02-28T15:20:00.004-07:00

Shannon tagged me to put the forth picture from the forth file. This was the picture. This is Tayler in her little tuto. She loves dancing and singing. Brandt and Tayler will dance together. Tayler will put her hands out to you when music is on and want to spin around and jump all over. My grandparents will always have music on in their house, she will come in dancing when she hears it. Donna now I tag you, pick the fifth picture, fifth folder.

Is it Spring Yet?

2009-02-26T20:44:00.005-07:00

It's almost March, that always sounds like Spring to me.

We are doing our best to survive the winter. Carlee and Tayler are going a little stir crazy, but a few more months and they can get out of the indoors and enjoy the sun. We are looking forward to doing more camping and fishing and spending lots of time with our girls this summer. Below, are a few pictures from the past week. We do not have anything too exciting going on right now, but we would like to say hello to every one and hope everything is going good.

Tayler and her favorite dog Dazie. Mollie, our other dog will not get close enough to Tayler to take pictures. Dazie is much more patient. We think Tayler believes she is a dog. We are constantly bringing her in the house after she has snuck out the dog door. She also loves to get on all fours and drink the dogs water and eat their food.

Carlee loves horses, and would love to own one. Maybe when she is older she can have one of her own, but right now she will have to keep taking lessons, and riding other's horses. She has been riding for the last couple of years and is very good. If she could help talk her mom into moving out to the country I might be able to find a way to get her a horse (hint, hint).

Carlee and Tayler feeding the ducks along the Jordan River. We have been enjoying getting out each weekend to walk, enjoy the outdoors and feed the ducks. The ducks here are pretty aggressive, and take the bread out of the girls hands.

We are also very glad to have Creed arrive safely in the family, and Nikki do as well as she did. We look forward to seeing our California family soon, and want to again congradulate them.

2009-01-30T19:36:00.013-07:00

We decided that Tayler needed a new bed after jumping out of her crib on her head too many times. This girl has no fear in her at all.

So Brandt and she went to IKEA to pick everything out. I think they did a really good job.
Talyler loves having a big girl bed.

Over the past week our family has had the whooping cough. We have had to stay in the house the past 5 days. Carlee couldn't start school, she was actually sad. I think she was sick of me and Tayler more then anything. One of my Dr's got the cough and gave it to everyone in the office. Carlee finally did go back to school on Friday.
Brandt and I are starting to walk 3 miles everyday. We are hoping that we can lose some weight before Mexico. Actually before Mexico. We are trying to show Carlee and Tayler that you can eat right. Hopefully we can do this. Wish us luck!

2009-01-03T22:03:00.002-07:00

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BE BLOGGING!

We may be late, but hopefully we are not too late.

We took the Wife/Husband test that everyone else has taken, and we found out that Soupie is a Poor wife, while I am an average husband. Something must be wrong... ..There is no way that I am only average. Actually, Soupie is the Best wife and mother, and average is a bit of a stretch for me. I tell Carlee that she has a free pass to Heaven for having to deal with me, and that should go double for Soupie.

Soupie and I are very lucky to have such great girls.

Carlee just turned 12 in December, and is a very good daughter and sister. She is beautiful, smart, and talented at many things including art, dancing, and horse back riding. She has also mastered the art of manipulating me to do about whatever she wants. She is our strong minded but sensitive hearted pride.

Tayler is now 21 months old. She has the spunk and attitude of diva. she also has Soupie and I wrapped around her little finger. Her favorite past time is teasing all of her adult relatives with a kiss, and when they lean in she gives them a smack instead. She loves to dance and sing, and copy her sister. She is also our strong minded and loving blessing.

Soupie is the heart of our family. I am so lucky to have her raising our girls. She has the strength and love to bring up strong and loving children. She is able to somehow balance working, maintaining a spotless house, and babysitting her husband. I owe everything that has been good for our family to her. She is also a great wife, and it is no exaggeration to say I am very lucky.

I am trying to do what is right and good for our family. In the past I wasn't the best at this (lets call this my 20's), but my family never gave up on me. I hope to one day succeed at being a father and husband like my dad. I am very proud to be his son. My mother is also a great strength to me. We have over come many trials as a family and individually, and I am sure we will have many more, but with the example of my parents I am confident we will be fine.

We look forward to a new year and to strengthening and rekindling relationships we have missed in the past.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!